Latest news with #CommitteeforAuckland
Newsroom
5 days ago
- Business
- Newsroom
Drop the ball on innovation, Auckland, and it's everyone's loss
Comment: If Auckland were to tragically pass away tomorrow, the cause of death would likely be listed as transport dysfunction, unaffordable housing, and environmental stress – the city's most visible, immediate ailments. But if it were to fade 50 years from now, the cause would likely be deeper: a long-running failure to invest in innovation, human capital and other core assets. For the past two years, the State of the City international benchmarking report has consistently shown that innovation and skills development are among Auckland's lowest-performing areas – ranking even below transport and housing affordability in both international performance and perception rankings. These deficits don't show up on our rush-hour delays and real estate doldrums and so our news headlines are dominated by the day to day of potholes and property prices rather than how well we're building the capability and solutions to solve these challenges. That's why the announcement during last week's TechWeek by Mayor Wayne Brown of the new Auckland Innovation and Technology Alliance may prove to be one of the most important steps Auckland has taken toward actually solving its most persistent challenges. The alliance, an initiative supported by the Committee for Auckland, the Auckland Tech Council, and the Auckland Council Group, will bring together leaders from business, investment, research, and local and central government. Its mission is to provide strategic leadership, improve coordination, and drive deal making and investment to position Auckland as a globally competitive tech and innovation hub. Importantly, it can help generate the insight, capability and investment needed to solve our headline problems more effectively. It could also help Auckland better align its strengths with the national reforms underway in science and technology. Unless New Zealand begins to seriously address our persistent innovation and skills gaps, we will continue to undercut our capacity to tackle the main issues we fixate on. Auckland has a significant innovation base – including our startup ecosystem, well-regarded universities and advanced technology firms – but it is not being supported, developed, or funded to the level seen in other comparable cities. International city experience Internationally, mayoral leadership has been a defining feature of successful urban innovation efforts. In peer cities like Brisbane, Vancouver, Copenhagen and Helsinki, mayors or city leaders have led or supported innovation alliances that directly link technology development to real urban challenges. In Barcelona, Tel Aviv, Toronto and Boston, mayoral backing of innovation districts and alliances has unlocked national support, attracted private capital, and elevated the global competitiveness of their cities. Take Boston's Innovation District, originally launched by Mayor Tom Menino. By convening universities, startups, real estate developers and the state government, the city turned a neglected waterfront into one of the world's most vibrant innovation hubs. In Barcelona, the 22@ district, led by mayor Joan Clos, attracted more than 4500 companies and over 56,000 new jobs, catalysing a transformation from industrial decay to digital-era growth. The message is clear: cities have the convening power and proximity to act, and mayoral leadership can spark broader action. The benefits of these alliances are now well documented. Cities that align policy, research, entrepreneurship and investment through shared platforms deliver faster precinct development, more targeted capital deployment, better talent retention, and stronger appeal to international investors. They are also more responsive to global shifts in AI, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. Of course, not all alliances succeed. Some fail due to vague mandates, bureaucratic overreach, or lack of follow-through. Others stall when political momentum fades. The key is focus. Smart alliances are lean, delivery-oriented, and co-governed by the people who actually drive innovation. These will be essential design principles as Auckland builds its new alliance. Another critical factor is central government engagement. In nearly every successful international example, central governments play a supporting role — through infrastructure investment, funding alignment, or enabling regulation. Australia's former City Deals framework helped cities like Brisbane and Townsville align local innovation goals with national priorities. In the UK, Innovate UK co-invests in regional innovation clusters, recognising that cities are where applied R&D meets real-world challenges. New Zealand underperformance By contrast, New Zealand has underperformed. Despite a growing global consensus – from the OECD, World Economic Forum, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and our own Sir Peter Gluckman – that cities must play a central role in driving innovation, we continue to centralise innovation policy and funding in Wellington, with limited regional differentiation. Auckland, despite being home to more than a third of the country's population and its largest concentration of tech companies, startups and universities, has had no formal role in shaping or steering national innovation strategy. This is a missed opportunity. Compared with our peer cities, Auckland's innovation potential is under-supported by national policy, under-developed in terms of coordination and investment, and under-valued in our national narrative. There is now an overwhelming body of international evidence that city-led innovation alliances improve national outcomes. They test solutions faster, adapt more nimbly, and build resilient, place-based innovation ecosystems. A more distributed, city-partnered model is not a threat to national strategy – it's an enabler. The Government should partner with the Auckland Innovation and Technology Alliance. That means engaging, co-investing, and aligning R&D tax, investment attraction, and science funding tools to better reflect city-based strengths. The Government's upcoming science reforms and its new Regional Deals policy – which aims to deliver long-term place-based economic growth – provide an opening to finally embed this approach. Auckland, alongside cities like Wellington and Christchurch and others, could be part of that new approach. The alliance could serve as a model. Aucklanders will continue to wake up worrying about traffic congestion, house prices, or the cost of living. But our innovation and knowledge gaps are quietly limiting our ability to fix those very problems. A better-supported, city-led innovation ecosystem won't just grow our economy. It will shape how Auckland moves, builds, and adapts, and ensure that if the city is ever eulogised, the cause of death won't be neglect. Mark Thomas is a director with the Committee for Auckland, which has been advising Mayor Wayne Brown on the Auckland Innovation and Technology Alliance.
Techday NZ
20-05-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Auckland unveils alliance to unite & grow city technology sector
Auckland's Mayor has outlined a plan to establish a new Innovation & Technology Alliance, aimed at improving collaboration between public and private sectors to grow the city's technology sector and boost economic productivity. During his speech, the Mayor framed the current era as "the century of software, AI, robotics" and highlighted Auckland's position within the Indo-Pacific region. "You might be wondering why a mayor is getting involved in the tech sector. Well, I'm an engineer, problem solver, and I saw a problem. To me, problems represent opportunities," he said. The Mayor cited the Committee for Auckland's State of the City report from 2023, which revealed that Auckland lagged behind peer cities in connectivity and innovation. He described how international visits influenced his perspective on potential solutions. "Then in Bengaluru I visited the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms and saw a solution that can be emulated here. And in the state of Connecticut? I saw a state umbrella to produce an ecology of profitable innovation that can also happen here," he said. Addressing the importance of city-to-city engagement in world trade, the Mayor continued, "As Peter said, world trade is now more city-to-city than country-to-country, and I know many of the big city leaders in Asia, India and Brazil. And can help that I get to see leaders that government ministers can't. I can certainly help with the connection part, and the innovation part is where you all come in." He identified several issues within Auckland's technology sector, stating, "Right now, the tech sector is not joined up. We have all the great ideas in New Zealand, and Auckland has great networks that feed these, but we lack coordination and follow-through. And of course, mostly we lack a pathway to scale for our start-ups. It's clear we need leadership to join industry with the public sector. To lift smart innovators into real scale. I'm aware this is NOT news to you all, but for some reason no one's done anything about it." Reflecting on the consequences of inaction, he added, "Without leadership, too many great ideas don't become great New Zealand companies. RocketLab did become a great company, but there should be more. Without leadership you get mostly trivia and entertainment." Citing Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, the Mayor said, "Alex Karp, one of Time Magazine's most influential people of 2025 and CEO of AI and data analytics firm, Palantir, has spoken about this problem. To paraphrase, he speaks of a generation of founders in Silicon Valley who've cloaked themselves in lofty and ambitious purpose. Their rally cries to 'change the world' have, and I quote, 'raised enormous amounts of capital and hired legions of talented engineers merely to build photo-sharing apps and chat interfaces for the modern consumer.' Is that what we want our best brains working on? It would be quite embarrassing to make the same mistakes here. We have some of the world's most innovative people, we're known the world over for it. I'm asking you today to put that to use to produce meaningful, profitable applications that lift our city and country's already great advantages in food tech, medtech, biotech, and fintech." The Mayor set out a goal for Auckland to "lead New Zealand on a path to prosperity by raising productivity and real GDP per capita," asserting that the council must play a more strategic role to identify and remove barriers to innovation. He outlined four key areas of concern: capital, research, talent, and scale. On capital, he stated, "New Zealand's 'capital shallow' economy is unhelpful. Could we be using KiwiSaver to invest in New Zealand more? Simplicity is doing some work in this space with Ice House." The Mayor also noted the lack of cohesion between universities and industry as a barrier: "I'm told there's a lack of cohesion between universities and industry. I'm told ideas die early in the journey either because there's a businessperson who doesn't know how to do research and work with government, or there's a researcher who doesn't know how to do business. I'm told many fintech start-ups have died because of the Government's tight controls on open banking and the big four Australian banks' aversion to this. I'm told we could be using tax return data to identify promising companies. I don't believe in picking winners, but we must be accountable with the money we spend here." Regarding research, he added, "It seems universities don't speak to each other. I'm told that researchers often struggle to transition into entrepreneurial roles due to significant barriers in commercialising research. University-held intellectual property rights stifle this, as do regulatory hurdles and limited access to research facilities. And universities also don't seem to care too much about what's happening in the real world; they're well out of touch with industry here. I have had next to no contact from universities despite being that rare thing: a business-oriented mayor." On talent, the Mayor remarked, "Now if you get capital and research right, you'll get good talent." He reiterated the need for Auckland to pursue scale in its ventures: "But of course, we also need to provide the scale-up opportunities; we can't just buy and sell to ourselves. As I mentioned, I know India is asking for ideas to feed and medicate their growing middle class (350 million and growing) and wants to help with access to their scale." The Mayor presented the Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance as a solution, stating, "The solution is a partnership between the public and private sectors to recharge growth and take up the opportunities lying in wait. This starts with the establishment of the Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance that will bring together the public and private sectors to attract capital and boost productivity. It will provide strategic leadership, encourage coordination, and drive deal-making and investment to strengthen Auckland's position as a globally competitive tech and innovation hub. This joined-up approach is a first for New Zealand. I'm also offering my leadership and overseas connections to assist with this." He called for the government to establish an Advanced Technology Institute in Auckland, pointing to the city's concentration of resources. "That is why I am also calling on the government to establish the new Advanced Technology Institute in Auckland. As New Zealand's only global city, we are the obvious place for this. The institute could play a crucial role in guiding new start-ups through the system so ideas don't 'die on the vine'." Emphasising action, the Mayor added, "This isn't about more meetings or talkfests. It's about doing things that make a difference: helping good ideas grow, getting more investment into Auckland ventures, and making sure we get value for every dollar of public and private effort. We're not starting from scratch. We're building on the groundwork done by many, including our council's tech industry group and GridAKL, and we have strong support from the Auckland Business Chamber, the Committee for Auckland and Tech Council, the University of Auckland, and many others across the sector." The Mayor concluded by encouraging his audience to focus on meaningful innovation. "New Zealanders have always been innovators. We have the ideas; let's make it easier for these ideas to be used here before they're exported to the world. Kiwis know how to make good deals, and we've done well overseas. Let's open Auckland up so our kids don't have to leave New Zealand to take advantage of growth elsewhere. May I ask once you leave here today, you keep these key questions top of mind: What is the problem you're trying to solve? Is it unique tech or copy-pasted from someone else's idea? Does this tech actually solve the problem? And for who? How many people is it going to impact? Does it create jobs locally that pay well? We must do this while keeping in mind that silly chat interfaces are not the answer, and we must stop trying to reinvent social media, move on from that. My challenge to you is to aim higher. It is my pleasure to open this forum. I hope that's got you thinking. I look forward to hearing your discussions today."
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland At 15 – Auckland Is United On What Matters Yet Divided On Delivery
Press Release – Auckland University of Technology A landmark digital survey released today reveals that while Aucklanders are strongly united on the city's big priorities — such as long-term infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and becoming a global innovation hub — many remain unconvinced the Super City model has delivered. The findings come as diverse Auckland's leaders gather for Auckland at 15, an event that examines the region's progress since the creation of the Super City in 2010 and calls for a new agenda to ensure the region is thriving, sustainable and globally competitive by 2040. The survey, Auckland@15: Shaping the next fifteen years, shows both shared vision and clear tension — particularly on transport and cultural identity — where support for progress exists alongside significant frustration with how change is being delivered. Most Aucklanders (76%) believe the city lacks a cohesive public transport vision – and while just 28% support sticking with private transport and putting up with congestion, that view reflects a deeply held divide. The University of Auckland's Complex Conversations Lab conducted the research as Auckland approaches 15 years as an amalgamated council. The innovative platform was used showing Aucklanders overwhelmingly support a long-term infrastructure plan (94%), and there is near-universal agreement on protecting the natural environment (up to 95%). However, only 53% of those surveyed believe amalgamation of the eight former councils has succeeded in unifying Auckland's voice, and just 18% feel they have influence over Auckland Council decisions. Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division with 64% of Aucklanders agreeing the region has a recognisable multicultural identity, however 29% are skeptical about further cultural investment. Hosted by Auckland University of Technology, the Committee for Auckland, Deloitte, and the Helen Clark Foundation, the Auckland at 15 event will feature four expert panels focused on legacy and political progress, global city success, Auckland's future-readiness, and defining the next 15 years. Minister for Auckland, Simeon Brown, and the Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown, will be joined by former prime ministers, Rt Hon Sir John Key and Rt Hon Helen Clark, alongside business and emerging young leaders, iwi, academics, and international experts. Committee for Auckland Director Mark Thomas said if Auckland does not reset its direction with a new agenda that focuses on bolder action, smarter investment, and much stronger global competitiveness it will continue to fall behind. 'We must learn more effectively from the best globally and have the courage to back bold, transformative ideas locally or risk continuing to lose the economic opportunity, talent, and quality of life we need to thrive. 'The annual State of the City report shows Auckland is already being overtaken by faster-moving global competitor cities. Without much clearer commitment from central and local government and their partners Auckland's standard of living and growth prospects will continue to suffer,' he said. Deloitte New Zealand Chief Executive Mike Horne said change is needed to help Auckland make more meaningful progress. 'Auckland has been incremental in what it has achieved since becoming a Super City 15 years ago. Being incremental isn't going to achieve what the city needs.' 'Auckland has a real opportunity to look at itself in a global context — if Auckland isn't competing globally, New Zealand will suffer. Now is the time for the city to look outward, focusing on connections and innovation, instead of looking in the mirror and rehashing its challenges.' Auckland University of Technology Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa adds, 'AUT is acutely aware of the need for Auckland to succeed in the next 15 years and beyond. Our city will be home to the greatest number of international students, Māori and Pacific young people and indeed of all youth. They have enormous potential and deserve a city that provides education, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.' 'AUT is focused on partnerships to amplify the impact our university, students and academics can provide for Auckland and beyond so our city's people can thrive. This means focusing on our city's unique combination of talented people with diverse and cosmopolitan experiences and viewpoints.' Reflecting on the purpose of amalgamation, Helen Clark, Patron of the Helen Clark Foundation, said that there had been concern that Auckland's potential could not be maximised with its governance dispersed across a number of territorial councils. 'The Royal Commission was established to look at better options, and I have no doubt that the single city has been the right outcome,' she said. Auckland at 15 is being described by organisers as a catalyst for sustained action, partnerships, and dialogue about Auckland's direction. Key deliverables from the event include an annual legacy youth event hosted by AUT, and a mentoring programme for aspiring youth leaders provided by Committee for Auckland from its Future Auckland Leaders' Alumni. Deloitte will produce a written summary of the event and Auckland Council's Auckland Conversations will make the full recording of the event available. In April 2025, Aucklanders were invited to share their views and vote on others' ideas in the survey 'Auckland @15: Shaping the next fifteen years' #It was conducted via a dynamic online platform that reveals areas of common ground as the conversation evolves. This is a type of 'wiki-survey'. It is shaped by the participants themselves. It provides rich knowledge about group support for ideas in a way that helps to identify common ground among diverse. How it works: The conversation was initially framed by a set of 25 'seed' statements covering a range of issues relevant to the topic Participants contribute by voting on statements (agree/disagree/pass) and by adding their own statements for others to vote on. Those who vote similarly on multiple statements are grouped together to form an 'opinion group' Automated opinion mapping finds areas of common ground while also identifying differences between opinion groups helps identify the different ways people think about issues that affect them and their communities 575 Aucklanders actively participated in the conversation, which generated over 46,000 votes and nearly 1,000 crowd-sourced statements, providing a rich digital snapshot of Aucklanders' sentiments on the state of their city This is an initial release of the headline survey information. A further full report will be available from University of Auckland in due course. Survey summary findings: Cultural Identity and Diversity: Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division however 64% agree Auckland has a recognisable, multicultural identity. Around 70% strongly support celebrating Auckland's Māori and Pacific heritage and investing in cultural diversity and the arts. About 30% expressed caution or scepticism about prioritising further cultural investment. Environment Protection and Sustainability Action: Up to 95% support stronger environmental protections, including improved water quality and urban greenery. 87% think Auckland's trees and urban greenery need better protection to stop our suburbs becoming unappealing, hot and sensitive to flooding. Decision making capacity and engagement: Only 53% overall felt amalgamation successfully unified Auckland's voice to central government. Only 18% felt connected to Council decision-making and just 20% felt amalgamation had improved public engagement. Only 32% think Council is providing more strategic and region-wide responses to problems, with most saying there are more ad hoc responses, Housing and Urban Development: 91% of those surveyed believe housing intensification must be balanced with green spaces and liveability. 90% Participants expressed support for high-quality, best-practice high density development in appropriate locations with supporting services like public transport. Infrastructure Planning: 94% support a long-term infrastructure strategy that transcends political cycles. 93% think Auckland needs to consider retreating from flood-prone areas and should prohibit new building in these locations. 92% think infill housing development needs to be balanced with green spaces and community amenities. Innovation and Economic Development: 77% believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy. 77% also believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy but expressed concern that the city doesn't maximise this advantage compared to overseas cities.' Transport: 61% think reducing congestion should be Auckland's top transport priority, even if it means introducing charges on some roads at times when they are most congested. 60% think it's easier to get around Auckland on public transport than it used to be.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland At 15 – Auckland Is United On What Matters Yet Divided On Delivery
Press Release – Auckland University of Technology Latest research sets scene for a new Auckland agenda. A landmark digital survey released today reveals that while Aucklanders are strongly united on the city's big priorities — such as long-term infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and becoming a global innovation hub — many remain unconvinced the Super City model has delivered. The findings come as diverse Auckland's leaders gather for Auckland at 15, an event that examines the region's progress since the creation of the Super City in 2010 and calls for a new agenda to ensure the region is thriving, sustainable and globally competitive by 2040. The survey, Auckland@15: Shaping the next fifteen years, shows both shared vision and clear tension — particularly on transport and cultural identity — where support for progress exists alongside significant frustration with how change is being delivered. Most Aucklanders (76%) believe the city lacks a cohesive public transport vision – and while just 28% support sticking with private transport and putting up with congestion, that view reflects a deeply held divide. The University of Auckland's Complex Conversations Lab conducted the research as Auckland approaches 15 years as an amalgamated council. The innovative platform was used showing Aucklanders overwhelmingly support a long-term infrastructure plan (94%), and there is near-universal agreement on protecting the natural environment (up to 95%). However, only 53% of those surveyed believe amalgamation of the eight former councils has succeeded in unifying Auckland's voice, and just 18% feel they have influence over Auckland Council decisions. Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division with 64% of Aucklanders agreeing the region has a recognisable multicultural identity, however 29% are skeptical about further cultural investment. Hosted by Auckland University of Technology, the Committee for Auckland, Deloitte, and the Helen Clark Foundation, the Auckland at 15 event will feature four expert panels focused on legacy and political progress, global city success, Auckland's future-readiness, and defining the next 15 years. Minister for Auckland, Simeon Brown, and the Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown, will be joined by former prime ministers, Rt Hon Sir John Key and Rt Hon Helen Clark, alongside business and emerging young leaders, iwi, academics, and international experts. Committee for Auckland Director Mark Thomas said if Auckland does not reset its direction with a new agenda that focuses on bolder action, smarter investment, and much stronger global competitiveness it will continue to fall behind. 'We must learn more effectively from the best globally and have the courage to back bold, transformative ideas locally or risk continuing to lose the economic opportunity, talent, and quality of life we need to thrive. 'The annual State of the City report shows Auckland is already being overtaken by faster-moving global competitor cities. Without much clearer commitment from central and local government and their partners Auckland's standard of living and growth prospects will continue to suffer,' he said. Deloitte New Zealand Chief Executive Mike Horne said change is needed to help Auckland make more meaningful progress. 'Auckland has been incremental in what it has achieved since becoming a Super City 15 years ago. Being incremental isn't going to achieve what the city needs.' 'Auckland has a real opportunity to look at itself in a global context — if Auckland isn't competing globally, New Zealand will suffer. Now is the time for the city to look outward, focusing on connections and innovation, instead of looking in the mirror and rehashing its challenges.' Auckland University of Technology Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa adds, 'AUT is acutely aware of the need for Auckland to succeed in the next 15 years and beyond. Our city will be home to the greatest number of international students, Māori and Pacific young people and indeed of all youth. They have enormous potential and deserve a city that provides education, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.' 'AUT is focused on partnerships to amplify the impact our university, students and academics can provide for Auckland and beyond so our city's people can thrive. This means focusing on our city's unique combination of talented people with diverse and cosmopolitan experiences and viewpoints.' Reflecting on the purpose of amalgamation, Helen Clark, Patron of the Helen Clark Foundation, said that there had been concern that Auckland's potential could not be maximised with its governance dispersed across a number of territorial councils. 'The Royal Commission was established to look at better options, and I have no doubt that the single city has been the right outcome,' she said. Auckland at 15 is being described by organisers as a catalyst for sustained action, partnerships, and dialogue about Auckland's direction. Key deliverables from the event include an annual legacy youth event hosted by AUT, and a mentoring programme for aspiring youth leaders provided by Committee for Auckland from its Future Auckland Leaders' Alumni. Deloitte will produce a written summary of the event and Auckland Council's Auckland Conversations will make the full recording of the event available. In April 2025, Aucklanders were invited to share their views and vote on others' ideas in the survey 'Auckland @15: Shaping the next fifteen years' #It was conducted via a dynamic online platform that reveals areas of common ground as the conversation evolves. This is a type of 'wiki-survey'. It is shaped by the participants themselves. It provides rich knowledge about group support for ideas in a way that helps to identify common ground among diverse. How it works: The conversation was initially framed by a set of 25 'seed' statements covering a range of issues relevant to the topic Participants contribute by voting on statements (agree/disagree/pass) and by adding their own statements for others to vote on. Those who vote similarly on multiple statements are grouped together to form an 'opinion group' Automated opinion mapping finds areas of common ground while also identifying differences between opinion groups helps identify the different ways people think about issues that affect them and their communities 575 Aucklanders actively participated in the conversation, which generated over 46,000 votes and nearly 1,000 crowd-sourced statements, providing a rich digital snapshot of Aucklanders' sentiments on the state of their city This is an initial release of the headline survey information. A further full report will be available from University of Auckland in due course. Survey summary findings: Cultural Identity and Diversity: Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division however 64% agree Auckland has a recognisable, multicultural identity. Around 70% strongly support celebrating Auckland's Māori and Pacific heritage and investing in cultural diversity and the arts. About 30% expressed caution or scepticism about prioritising further cultural investment. Environment Protection and Sustainability Action: Up to 95% support stronger environmental protections, including improved water quality and urban greenery. 87% think Auckland's trees and urban greenery need better protection to stop our suburbs becoming unappealing, hot and sensitive to flooding. Decision making capacity and engagement: Only 53% overall felt amalgamation successfully unified Auckland's voice to central government. Only 18% felt connected to Council decision-making and just 20% felt amalgamation had improved public engagement. Only 32% think Council is providing more strategic and region-wide responses to problems, with most saying there are more ad hoc responses, Housing and Urban Development: 91% of those surveyed believe housing intensification must be balanced with green spaces and liveability. 90% Participants expressed support for high-quality, best-practice high density development in appropriate locations with supporting services like public transport. Infrastructure Planning: 94% support a long-term infrastructure strategy that transcends political cycles. 93% think Auckland needs to consider retreating from flood-prone areas and should prohibit new building in these locations. 92% think infill housing development needs to be balanced with green spaces and community amenities. Innovation and Economic Development: 77% believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy. 77% also believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy but expressed concern that the city doesn't maximise this advantage compared to overseas cities.' Transport: 61% think reducing congestion should be Auckland's top transport priority, even if it means introducing charges on some roads at times when they are most congested. 60% think it's easier to get around Auckland on public transport than it used to be.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland At 15 - Auckland Is United On What Matters Yet Divided On Delivery
A landmark digital survey released today reveals that while Aucklanders are strongly united on the city's big priorities — such as long-term infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and becoming a global innovation hub — many remain unconvinced the Super City model has delivered. The findings come as diverse Auckland's leaders gather for Auckland at 15, an event that examines the region's progress since the creation of the Super City in 2010 and calls for a new agenda to ensure the region is thriving, sustainable and globally competitive by 2040. The survey, Auckland@15: Shaping the next fifteen years, shows both shared vision and clear tension — particularly on transport and cultural identity — where support for progress exists alongside significant frustration with how change is being delivered. Most Aucklanders (76%) believe the city lacks a cohesive public transport vision – and while just 28% support sticking with private transport and putting up with congestion, that view reflects a deeply held divide. The University of Auckland's Complex Conversations Lab conducted the research as Auckland approaches 15 years as an amalgamated council. The innovative platform was used showing Aucklanders overwhelmingly support a long-term infrastructure plan (94%), and there is near-universal agreement on protecting the natural environment (up to 95%). However, only 53% of those surveyed believe amalgamation of the eight former councils has succeeded in unifying Auckland's voice, and just 18% feel they have influence over Auckland Council decisions. Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division with 64% of Aucklanders agreeing the region has a recognisable multicultural identity, however 29% are skeptical about further cultural investment. Hosted by Auckland University of Technology, the Committee for Auckland, Deloitte, and the Helen Clark Foundation, the Auckland at 15 event will feature four expert panels focused on legacy and political progress, global city success, Auckland's future-readiness, and defining the next 15 years. Minister for Auckland, Simeon Brown, and the Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown, will be joined by former prime ministers, Rt Hon Sir John Key and Rt Hon Helen Clark, alongside business and emerging young leaders, iwi, academics, and international experts. Committee for Auckland Director Mark Thomas said if Auckland does not reset its direction with a new agenda that focuses on bolder action, smarter investment, and much stronger global competitiveness it will continue to fall behind. "We must learn more effectively from the best globally and have the courage to back bold, transformative ideas locally or risk continuing to lose the economic opportunity, talent, and quality of life we need to thrive. 'The annual State of the City report shows Auckland is already being overtaken by faster-moving global competitor cities. Without much clearer commitment from central and local government and their partners Auckland's standard of living and growth prospects will continue to suffer," he said. Deloitte New Zealand Chief Executive Mike Horne said change is needed to help Auckland make more meaningful progress. "Auckland has been incremental in what it has achieved since becoming a Super City 15 years ago. Being incremental isn't going to achieve what the city needs." "Auckland has a real opportunity to look at itself in a global context — if Auckland isn't competing globally, New Zealand will suffer. Now is the time for the city to look outward, focusing on connections and innovation, instead of looking in the mirror and rehashing its challenges." Auckland University of Technology Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa adds, "AUT is acutely aware of the need for Auckland to succeed in the next 15 years and beyond. Our city will be home to the greatest number of international students, Māori and Pacific young people and indeed of all youth. They have enormous potential and deserve a city that provides education, infrastructure, and employment opportunities." "AUT is focused on partnerships to amplify the impact our university, students and academics can provide for Auckland and beyond so our city's people can thrive. This means focusing on our city's unique combination of talented people with diverse and cosmopolitan experiences and viewpoints.' Reflecting on the purpose of amalgamation, Helen Clark, Patron of the Helen Clark Foundation, said that there had been concern that Auckland's potential could not be maximised with its governance dispersed across a number of territorial councils. 'The Royal Commission was established to look at better options, and I have no doubt that the single city has been the right outcome,' she said. Auckland at 15 is being described by organisers as a catalyst for sustained action, partnerships, and dialogue about Auckland's direction. Key deliverables from the event include an annual legacy youth event hosted by AUT, and a mentoring programme for aspiring youth leaders provided by Committee for Auckland from its Future Auckland Leaders' Alumni. Deloitte will produce a written summary of the event and Auckland Council's Auckland Conversations will make the full recording of the event available. In April 2025, Aucklanders were invited to share their views and vote on others' ideas in the survey 'Auckland @15: Shaping the next fifteen years' #It was conducted via a dynamic online platform that reveals areas of common ground as the conversation evolves. This is a type of 'wiki-survey'. It is shaped by the participants themselves. It provides rich knowledge about group support for ideas in a way that helps to identify common ground among diverse. How it works: The conversation was initially framed by a set of 25 'seed' statements covering a range of issues relevant to the topic Participants contribute by voting on statements (agree/disagree/pass) and by adding their own statements for others to vote on. Those who vote similarly on multiple statements are grouped together to form an 'opinion group' Automated opinion mapping finds areas of common ground while also identifying differences between opinion groups helps identify the different ways people think about issues that affect them and their communities 575 Aucklanders actively participated in the conversation, which generated over 46,000 votes and nearly 1,000 crowd-sourced statements, providing a rich digital snapshot of Aucklanders' sentiments on the state of their city This is an initial release of the headline survey information. A further full report will be available from University of Auckland in due course. Survey summary findings: Cultural Identity and Diversity: Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division however 64% agree Auckland has a recognisable, multicultural identity. Around 70% strongly support celebrating Auckland's Māori and Pacific heritage and investing in cultural diversity and the arts. About 30% expressed caution or scepticism about prioritising further cultural investment. Environment Protection and Sustainability Action: Up to 95% support stronger environmental protections, including improved water quality and urban greenery. 87% think Auckland's trees and urban greenery need better protection to stop our suburbs becoming unappealing, hot and sensitive to flooding. Decision making capacity and engagement: Only 53% overall felt amalgamation successfully unified Auckland's voice to central government. Only 18% felt connected to Council decision-making and just 20% felt amalgamation had improved public engagement. Only 32% think Council is providing more strategic and region-wide responses to problems, with most saying there are more ad hoc responses, Housing and Urban Development: 91% of those surveyed believe housing intensification must be balanced with green spaces and liveability. 90% Participants expressed support for high-quality, best-practice high density development in appropriate locations with supporting services like public transport. Infrastructure Planning: 94% support a long-term infrastructure strategy that transcends political cycles. 93% think Auckland needs to consider retreating from flood-prone areas and should prohibit new building in these locations. 92% think infill housing development needs to be balanced with green spaces and community amenities. Innovation and Economic Development: 77% believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy. 77% also believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy but expressed concern that the city doesn't maximise this advantage compared to overseas cities.' Transport: 61% think reducing congestion should be Auckland's top transport priority, even if it means introducing charges on some roads at times when they are most congested. 60% think it's easier to get around Auckland on public transport than it used to be. 56% think cycling and pedestrian access need more investment.
